Minister Sukhai said this was “a good show of cooperation” between the ministries.
Sukhai said that during the recently concluded National Toshaos Council meeting a request was made by the toshaos for eye care, which the minister explained was provided by the Health Ministry after consultation, to all who made themselves available during the course of the deliberations, the release stated.
And Dr Ramsaran noted that out of 96 toshaos screened by the refractionist of the Low Vision Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital under the supervision of a Cuban eye specialist, it was determined that 13 toshaos needed reading glasses and 20 needed special lenses to correct refraction errors.
According to GINA, the first 13 reading spectacles were already received by the respective toshaos but the minister said that the remaining 20 required special detailing and these were only now ready for disbursement.
The minister said that two toshaos, Norma Thomas of Kamarang, Region Seven, and Rance Allicock, Rockstone, Region Ten, require cataract surgery, which will be performed in another month at the National Ophthalmology Hospital, Port Mourant.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that Guyana’s indigenous population has benefitted significantly from improved eye care while pointing out that the smallest percentage of cataracts are found amongst them.
The Government of Guyana, through Mission Miracle, has been able to send more than 6000 Guyanese for surgery in Cuba; however these cataract and laser surgeries are now being performed at Port Mourant, the release added.
